Missing ex-Olympic champion found safe
Nev Hackett later told local media his son had sent a message to his mother to say he was safe.
Recommended articles
The 36-year-old Hackett was on Wednesday arrested and released without charge after becoming agitated at his parents’ home.
On Thursday, his father appealed for help finding him, saying he was “disturbed” and needed urgent help.
“He’s spoken to police. He’s actually hiding, because he’s very, very embarrassed about all this,” he told reporters.
ADVERTISEMENT
Before his disappearance, Hackett was last seen at a hotel, according to local media.
Nev Hackett said his son had missed an appointment with his lawyer and the family was “extremely worried”.
“When we spoke to him several hours [ago], he just hung up when we asked him where he was,” he said.
“Grant, let us know where you are. We love you, and we want to help you,” he said.
Local media reported Hackett indicated he would seek help after being released from police custody on Wednesday.
ADVERTISEMENT
His brother, Craig Hackett, said the former Olympian was “a danger to himself”.
On Thursday, Hackett had posted a picture of himself on Instagram sporting a black eye, but it was unclear when the image was taken.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hackett has a long-standing rivalry with compatriot Ian Thorpe.
He had won gold medals in the 1,500m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay at Sydney 2000 and in the 1,500m freestyle at Athens 2004.
Hackett returned to the pool last year to make an unsuccessful bid to qualify for the Rio Olympics.
ADVERTISEMENT
He was questioned by airport police in Melbourne last April after allegedly assaulting a male passenger over a reclined seat on a flight.
Hackett, in his defence, had said he had been drinking in the wake of his Olympic disappointment and publicly apologised.
He has previously admitted he became dependent on a sleep medication.
The swimmer flew to the US in 2014 to spend time in a rehab centre after he was spotted topless and disoriented in the lobby of a Melbourne casino.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Anti-graft agency arrests 3 Kano govt officials aiding foreigners secure citizenship
ONSA directs security agencies to enforce Nigeria’s cybercrime law fully
ASUU faction dissociates self from UniAbuja strike, says cabal behind action
Nigeria’s economy to experience significant growth soon – Shettima
Businesses grounded in Maiduguri fish market as traders revolt against leaders
Slain NYSC member's brother petitions House of Reps, insists deceased not cultist
Police arrest over 50 suspects after brutal clashes at Ile-Epo, Lagos
Our government won't blame Buhari for any failure - Shettima
Gov Eno donates 20 patrol vehicles to boost security, protect residents
ADVERTISEMENT
![The Senate leadership dissociated itself from this action [Difference Between]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "The Senate leadership dissociated itself from this action [Difference Between]")